TURA, July 8: The Non-Gazetted Employees’ Association (NGEA)-led silent sit-in by employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) entered its second day, with protesters stating their intent to continue their agitation at Gandhi Park, near the Council office in Tura.
While there were no objections to the protest venue on the first day, a magistrate was sent this morning to ask the protesters to move to another location. This was objected to by the protesters, who insisted on continuing their protest within the park premises.
“Earlier, we used to undertake these protests at the Tura Government College ground, but this time we want to protest in our own place. This (Gandhi Park) belongs to us. It belongs to the MDCs, it belongs to all citizens. We took the decision to stage our protest here, in our own place, whether we get permission or not. We have just received a request from the DC not to use this place but to stage our protest elsewhere, but since we have already taken our stand yesterday, we have to ignore his request. We will not go back on our decision, come what may. We will carry out our protest here, in our own place,” stated NGEA president Brithen Sangma while speaking to the media persons.
The employees have decided that, unlike previous protests, they will not settle for less than 12 months’ salaries being disbursed. “We understand their situation, but we will not back down. Our protest will continue till our request is met,” asserted Brithen.
When asked whether the GHADC was not receiving funds, employees stated that money was definitely coming into the Council’s coffers, but they had no idea how much was received or where it went.
“As employees, we face a lot of problems and difficulties, but the District Council is not only our (employees’) office or our asset. It is the asset of all Achik people, like a very precious jewel. If we do not think and act now, the Council will not improve or flourish; instead, it will crumble in the future. Therefore, every Achik should be concerned and take preventive action,” stated the NGEA president.
“We have no more words to speak about our hardship. We face difficulties in every way—in terms of food, clothing, and enjoying the finer things of life. What pains us the most is when we have to compromise on the education of our children. Our children, the children of GHADC employees, are not lesser in talent or studies than others,
but many of them have to drop out from pursuing higher studies because we, as parents, cannot provide for them,” an emotional Brithen said.
“We don’t understand why our leaders don’t want to give us our full salaries even when there is money in the Council. We have appealed many times, verbally as well as in writing. We have repeatedly begged and requested our dues almost every week and every day, but every time we only receive verbal promises without positive action,” he asserted.
Asking everyone to bear with them, the NGEA felt it was time for all to come together to help restore the GHADC to its original glory. “Every five years, we elect representatives to the District Council, but if we look at them today, we can all see what is happening to the District Council. Therefore, it is time now for all the Achik people to come together and do something in this regard,” felt Brithen.
“We have only one District Council office, which is our pride, meant for safeguarding the laws, traditions and interests of the Achik people, but sadly, the District Council is slowly degrading, and it is also a public concern to question the deteriorating state of affairs in the Council,” they added.
